Electrical hazards awareness program to take future safeguard

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) indicates that over 26,000 electrical fires occur each year in the United States that kill, on average, 280 people. December and January are the worst months for fires caused by electricity. The holiday season sees a massive upsurge in supplemental lighting that may not be adequately maintained or properly installed. It is also the peak season for extension cord and electric space heater usage.Electrical fires are caused by overloading and short circuits. Overloading is caused when the rated amperage capacity of an electrical wire is exceeded by having too many appliances connected to it or using a single appliance that consumes more electricity than the wire can handle. Overloading usually involves plugging in too many things to an electrical outlet or using power strips or extension cords that are not rated for the devices plugged into them.